John Collins and Dillon Brooks got into a fight during their first preseason game that nearly turned into a double technical foul, with one player eventually getting flagged for a flagrant foul instead.
In the opening period of Phoenix’s preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena, the action turned to a technical foul on Brooks. The call came with 7:23 remaining in the frame. Brooks is a player known for his rough style, and this technical added to his reputation — he already leads the league in technical fouls.
Early Contact
Last season, Brooks led the league in technical fouls with 17, and he hasn’t shown any sign of changing his approach. He was guarding Pistons forward John Collins in the paint, reaching out his forearm and engaging in physical contact. Collins responded by raising his hands in a “you see this” gesture.
Collins secured an offensive rebound over Brooks on the same possession. Brooks kept reaching for the ball from behind, making more contact with Collins as he stretched toward it. Collins then turned to face Brooks and put his hand in his face while still holding onto the ball.
Referees and security separated the two.
The Call Changes
Both players were first given double technical fouls, but the call was later altered. Collins was then penalized with a flagrant one, while Brooks stepped to the line and made one of his two free throw attempts.
The review captured the entire chain of events. The trigger came when Collins responded by putting his hand over his face, yet the sequence started with Brooks reaching around him from behind.
What Each Player Brings
| Player | Team | Season Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dillon Brooks | Phoenix Suns | Second season |
| John Collins | Detroit Pistons | First season |
The Suns’ Brooks is entering his second campaign with the team, while the Pistons’ Collins is beginning his first stint with Detroit.
The dustup dominated the first half. By halftime, the Suns led 68-50.
How It Played Out
The steps broke down like this:
- Brooks extends his forearm in the paint
- Collins reacts with his hands upward
- Collins gets an offensive rebound over Brooks
- Brooks reaches around Collins from behind
- Collins responds by facing Brooks and putting his hand in his face
- Referees and security separate the two
Each step fed the next. The review caught the full sequence.
Why It Matters
While preseason contests are meant to carry little weight, this particular one delivered something memorable instead.
A warning from the referee gives fans an early taste of how games with Brooks will unfold. That caution also serves as a reminder to Brooks himself, who already knows what his season record looks like.
The dustup makes up the story’s half, while the lead remains just a detail.
Source material: “Dillon Brooks, John Collins early dustup in Suns-Pistons game,” Yahoo Sports.
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